Steel 4J42 vs GX5NiS36
Steel · grade comparison
Steel 4J42 and GX5NiS36 are both steel grades. 4J42 is the stronger of the two: yield strength 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for GX5NiS36, about 43% more; tensile strength follows at 510 MPa (74 ksi) vs 420 MPa (60.9 ksi). 4J42 is the more ductile: elongation 35% versus 12% for GX5NiS36, and 4J42 is harder (145 HB vs 135 HB). 4J42 runs hotter in service (400°C vs 200°C continuous) and 4J42 conducts electricity better (2.5 % IACS vs 2.1 % IACS). On the shop floor, 4J42 welds better (very good vs poor).
4J42Choose it when strength drives the design, or when the part is bent, formed or impact-loaded.
4J42 vs GX5NiS36: propertiesHow to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all steel grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
How to read these bars
- One bar per material. A full bar is the highest value among all steel grades in the FabDigit library; each bar is drawn as a share of that.
- The better value (by the usual engineering direction) is in bold. Rows with no direction — density, thermal conductivity — have no bold.
- Values are typical room-temperature figures for the condition named on each card.
- Confirm against the certified mill or resin datasheet before design release.
Mechanical
Strength, stiffness, ductility and hardness at room temperature.
Elastic (Young's) Modulus
Shear Modulus
Bulk Modulus
Poisson's Ratio
Tensile Strength (Ultimate)
Yield Strength (0.2% offset)
Elongation at Break
Reduction in Area
Shear Strength
Fatigue Strength (Endurance Limit)
Charpy V-Notch Impact (RT)
Hardness, Brinell
Hardness, Rockwell B
Hardness, Vickers
Compressive Strength
Fracture Toughness (K_IC)
Physical
Density and transition temperatures.
Density
Same in both: Melting Point (Solidus) 1,425°C2,597 °F · Liquidus Temperature 1,450°C2,642 °F
Thermal
How each material carries heat and how hot it can run.
Thermal Conductivity
Specific Heat Capacity
Thermal Expansion (CTE, 20–100 °C)
Max Service Temperature (continuous)
Min Service Temperature
Latent Heat of Fusion
Electrical
Conductivity and insulation.
Electrical Conductivity
Electrical Resistivity
Chemical & Environmental
Corrosion and environmental resistance (0–100 scores).
Galvanic Potential (seawater, vs SCE)
Corrosion Resistance
Manufacturability
FabDigit workshop ratings (0–100 scores) — how each material behaves on the machine.
Machinability
Weldability
Formability (cold)
Brazeability / Solderability
Polishability
Castability
Same in both: Machinability Rating (AISI 1212 = 100 %) 35%
Sustainability
Primary-production footprint per kilogram.
Embodied Energy (primary production)
Embodied Carbon (primary production)
Embodied Water
Same in both: Typical Recycled Content 35%
Common Calculations
Ratios derived from the values above.
Specific Strength (UTS / density)
Specific Stiffness (E / density)
Modulus of Resilience
Thermal Diffusivity
Thermal Shock Resistance Index
Strength versus weight
Yield strength against density for every steel grade in the FabDigit library; the compared grades are highlighted. Up and left is stronger for its weight.
Manufacturing and finishing
| Capability | 4J42 | GX5NiS36 |
|---|---|---|
| Default condition | — | — |
| Relative cost | $$$$ High | $$$$ High |
| Min. machined wall | — | — |
| Best machined surface | — | — |
Both take the same 9 finishes: Copper Plating, Electroless Nickel (EN), Epoxy Coating, Gold Plating, Hard Chrome Plating, Manganese Phosphate, Plasma Spray, Silver Plating, Zinc Phosphate.
4J42 vs GX5NiS36 — frequently asked
Is 4J42 stronger than GX5NiS36?
Yes. 4J42 has a typical yield strength of 285 MPa (41.3 ksi) against 200 MPa (29 ksi) for GX5NiS36 — about 43% more. Tensile strength is 510 MPa (74 ksi) vs 420 MPa (60.9 ksi).
Which is cheaper, 4J42 or GX5NiS36?
Both sit in the same relative cost tier ($$$$, high); the part price will be decided by machining time, tolerance and quantity rather than by the material.
Which is easier to machine, 4J42 or GX5NiS36?
GX5NiS36, by a small margin. Both rate fair for machinability — 40/100 against 35/100 for 4J42; for welding the order is 4J42 first (very good, 70/100) then GX5NiS36 (poor, 25/100).
Ready to make it?
Upload a CAD file and FabDigit prices the part in 4J42 and GX5NiS36 side by side — material, machining time, tolerance and finish in one quote. Certified material data ships with the order on request.
Typical handbook values for the conditions named above, normalised for comparison. Hardness on non-Brinell scales is converted approximately for charting only. Request certified data with your order for design-critical properties.